The Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam (VITEEE) is one of the most sought-after exams for students aspiring to pursue engineering at the prestigious VIT campuses across India. VITEEE is known for its competitive nature and requires dedicated preparation to excel. For students to maximise their scores and rank high, understanding the VITEEE marking scheme becomes a key factor.
Many students prepare well for the examt but often overlook the importance of familiarising themselves with how the exam is structured and scored. The marking scheme not only influences how students prepare but also affects their strategy during the exam. It allows them to plan how much time to allocate to each section, whether to guess answers, and how to prioritise their stronger subjects.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into every aspect of the VITEEE marking scheme. We will look at the overall exam pattern, section-wise marks distribution, and how the final score and rank are calculated. We’ll also provide strategies based on the marking scheme to help students optimise their preparation and perform well on the exam day.
Introduction to VITEEE Marking Scheme
VITEEE is the gateway to the undergraduate engineering programs offered by Vellore Institute of Technology. Every year, thousands of students from across the country appear for this exam, making it highly competitive. VITEEE is conducted online, and the exam format consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across various subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Biology for certain courses), English, and Aptitude.
For students aiming to secure admission in top engineering programs, it’s crucial to understand how VITEEE is structured. The exam is conducted over multiple slots to accommodate the large number of test-takers. Since different slots might have slightly varying levels of difficulty, VITEEE employs a normalisation process to ensure fairness in scoring across different exam sessions.
VITEEE evaluates students on their knowledge of the core subjects, as well as their proficiency in English and reasoning skills through the Aptitude section. The marking scheme used by VIT plays an essential role in deciding how students perform overall. Having a clear understanding of how marks are allocated can make a significant difference in how students prepare for and take the exam.
Importance of Knowing the Marking Scheme for Better Exam Preparation
When preparing for any competitive exam, knowing the marking scheme is as important as mastering the syllabus. The marking scheme of VITEEE helps students in multiple ways. First, it gives them a clear idea of which subjects and sections carry the most weight, enabling them to prioritise their study efforts accordingly. Second, understanding whether the exam has negative marking or not can directly influence their answering strategy during the test. Knowing that they won’t lose marks for wrong answers can encourage students to attempt more questions, whereas a penalty for incorrect answers might lead them to be more cautious.
In VITEEE, time management plays a critical role in securing a good score, and the marking scheme can guide students on how to divide their time across sections. Additionally, being familiar with how marks are awarded and how the final score is calculated allows students to set realistic goals and measure their progress during preparation.
By internalising the marking scheme, students can optimise their exam strategy, reduce unnecessary mistakes, and maximise their score. In the following sections, we’ll break down the VITEEE exam structure and marking scheme in detail to give students a clear roadmap for success.
Overview of VITEEE Marking Pattern
VITEEE is a computer-based test that consists of multiple-choice questions across five sections: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Biology for certain streams), English, and Aptitude. Typically, students will encounter around 125 questions. Each question carries one mark, and the entire exam is conducted over a duration of 2 Hours and 30 Minutes.
Here’s a quick overview of the sections and the approximate number of questions:
| Subject | No.of Questions |
| Mathematics/Biology | 40 |
| Physics | 35 |
| Chemistry | 35 |
| English | 5 |
| Aptitude | 10 |
Each section is designed to test students’ knowledge in that subject area. Physics and Chemistry are typically on par in terms of difficulty, while the Mathematics section may contain more calculation-intensive problems. The English and Aptitude sections are smaller but important, contributing a few additional marks that can help boost overall scores.
Marks Allocated for Each Subject
VITEEE places the most emphasis on the core science subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. Each of these subjects contributes a significant portion of the total marks. However, the English and Aptitude sections, though smaller in size, are still valuable and should not be ignored. All questions will be Multiple Choice Questions and one mark for the right answer and zero for the wrong answer. Those who score ‘0’ in total will be declared as ‘Not qualified’ and will not be eligible to participate in the counselling process.
Below is a breakdown of the typical mark allocation per section:
- Physics: 35 marks
- Chemistry: 35 marks
- Mathematics/Biology: 40 marks
- English: 5 marks
- Aptitude: 10 marks
This distribution highlights the importance of doing well in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology, as these subjects carry the bulk of the marks. However, since there is no negative marking (more on this later), students are encouraged to attempt all the questions, even in the smaller sections, to maximise their score.
Section-wise Breakdown of VITEEE Marks
Physics: Number of Questions and Marks per Question
The Physics section typically comprises 35 questions, with each question worth one mark. The questions are designed to test students’ understanding of core concepts and their ability to apply these concepts to solve problems. Topics covered in the Physics section include:
- Mechanics (Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, and Power)
- Thermodynamics
- Electrostatics and Current Electricity
- Optics and Modern Physics
- Electromagnetism
The difficulty level of the Physics questions can vary, but students should expect a mix of conceptual questions and numerical problems. Since the section carries a substantial portion of the overall marks, students should focus on strengthening their understanding of key concepts and practising problem-solving skills.
Chemistry: Number of Questions and Marks
The Chemistry section also contains around 35 questions, each carrying one mark. Chemistry questions test students’ knowledge in both physical and organic chemistry. The section may also include some straightforward fact-based questions, which can be an opportunity for students to score easy marks.
Important topics in Chemistry include:
- Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones)
- Physical Chemistry (Atomic Structure, Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics)
- Inorganic Chemistry (Coordination Compounds, Periodic Table, d- and f-block Elements)
Since Chemistry often includes questions that are more theoretical in nature, students can focus on memorising key concepts, formulas, and reactions. A good strategy is to tackle the fact-based or theoretical questions first, leaving the more complex numerical problems for later.
Mathematics/Biology: Breakdown of Questions
Students applying for engineering streams take the Mathematics section, while those aiming for biotechnology-related programs will take Biology instead. Both sections typically contain 40 questions, each worth one mark. The Mathematics section can be particularly challenging due to its calculation-heavy nature, while the Biology section is more focused on concepts and facts.
In Mathematics, students can expect questions from the following areas:
- Algebra (Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Matrices, Determinants)
- Calculus (Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Integration)
- Probability and Statistics
- Trigonometry
- Coordinate Geometry
The key to scoring well in Mathematics is to practise regularly and develop speed and accuracy in solving problems. Students should also be familiar with short-cut methods and tricks for solving certain types of questions.
The Biology section, on the other hand, covers topics such as:
- Cell Structure and Function
- Human Physiology
- Genetics and Evolution
- Ecology and Environment
- Biotechnology
Students opting for the Biology section should focus on mastering these topics and understanding the basic concepts, as the questions tend to be more fact-based and conceptual.
English and Aptitude Sections: Special Focus on These
The English section typically contains five questions, each worth one mark. The questions in this section are designed to test students’ basic proficiency in the language. Common types of questions include:
- Reading comprehension
- Sentence correction
- Grammar and vocabulary
Although the English section is relatively small, it can provide students with easy marks if they have a good command of basic English.
The Aptitude section is a recent addition to VITEEE and contains around 10 questions. These questions test students’ logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Common topics in the Aptitude section include:
- Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Puzzles
- Series and Patterns
Both the English and Aptitude sections can be completed quickly, allowing students to score some easy marks and save time for the more challenging sections.
Does VITEEE Have Negative Marking?
No, there is no negative marking in the VITEEE exam. This is great news for students, as it means that they can attempt all the questions without the fear of losing marks for incorrect answers. In many other competitive exams, negative marking can result in a significant penalty, making students hesitant to guess answers. However, in VITEEE, students are encouraged to attempt all the questions.
Impact of Negative Marking on Strategy
The absence of negative marking in VITEEE allows students to adopt a more aggressive approach to answering questions. Instead of leaving questions unanswered, students can make educated guesses, even for questions they are unsure about. This increases their chances of scoring additional marks.
However, it’s important to strike a balance between aggressive guessing and careful answering. Random guessing should be avoided, as it’s better to make educated guesses based on logic and elimination. For example, students can narrow down the answer choices by eliminating options they know are incorrect and then selecting the most likely correct answer from the remaining choices.
Tips to Avoid Penalty
While there is no penalty for incorrect answers in VITEEE, students should still be cautious about how they approach the exam. Here are a few tips to maximise their score without relying too much on guesswork:
Eliminate Incorrect Options: If you’re unsure about a question, start by eliminating the options that are obviously incorrect. This increases your chances of selecting the correct answer from the remaining options.
Guess Wisely: If you have narrowed down the options to two or three, make an educated guess. Avoid completely random guessing unless you have no other option.
Manage Time: Don’t spend too much time on any single question. If you’re stuck, move on and come back to the question later. This ensures you have time to attempt all the questions.
How the Total VITEEE Score is Calculated
The total score for VITEEE is calculated simply by adding up the marks for all the correct answers. Since each question is worth one mark and there is no negative marking, students’ total marks equal the number of correct answers they provide.
For example, if a student answers 110 questions correctly out of 125, their total score will be 110. The total marks for the exam are based solely on the number of correct answers, so it’s essential to attempt as many questions as possible to maximise your score.
Role of Percentile and Normalisation in Final Scoring
VITEEE is conducted over multiple days and in several slots to accommodate the large number of students appearing for the exam. Since the difficulty level of the questions may vary slightly from one slot to another, VIT uses a normalisation process to ensure that the scores are fair across all exam sessions.
Normalisation adjusts the raw scores of students based on the overall performance of students in a particular exam slot. This ensures that students who took the exam in a slightly tougher slot are not at a disadvantage compared to those who took the exam in an easier slot.
After normalisation, a percentile score is generated for each student. This percentile score reflects a student’s relative performance compared to other candidates who appeared for the exam. For example, a percentile score of 95 means that the student performed better than 95% of the students who took the exam.
How Ranks are Generated
The final rank in VITEEE is determined based on the percentile score. Students with higher percentiles are ranked higher, while those with lower percentiles are ranked accordingly. The ranks are crucial because they determine admission eligibility and the likelihood of securing a seat in preferred courses and campuses.
It’s important to note that the higher a student’s rank, the better their chances of getting admission into the more popular and sought-after courses and campuses, such as VIT Vellore.
VITEEE Scoring Strategy for High Marks
Time Management Strategies Based on the Marking Scheme
One of the most critical factors in scoring well in VITEEE is time management. With around 125 questions to answer in 2.5 hours, students have less than a minute per question. This means they need to balance speed with accuracy to maximise their score.
Here are a few time management strategies that can help:
Start with Your Strongest Subject: Begin with the section you are most comfortable with. This will build your confidence and help you save time for the more challenging sections later.
Allocate Time Per Section: Divide the total time available for the exam among the different sections based on the number of questions. For example, you might allocate 45 minutes each for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology, and 15 minutes for English and Aptitude combined.
Don’t Spend Too Much Time on Any One Question: If you find yourself stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later. Spending too much time on one question can eat into the time you have for other sections.
Complete Easier Sections First: Since the English and Aptitude sections tend to be easier, complete them quickly to leave more time for the core subjects.
Importance of Accuracy in Sections with No Negative Marking
Although VITEEE doesn’t have negative marking, accuracy is still critical for securing a high score. Students should focus on minimising careless mistakes, especially in sections where they are confident.
One way to improve accuracy is to practise regularly and take mock tests. By simulating exam conditions, students can identify areas where they tend to make mistakes and work on improving their accuracy in those areas.
Additionally, students should double-check their answers if time permits. In a multiple-choice exam, it’s easy to accidentally select the wrong option even if you know the correct answer, so reviewing your answers can help catch these errors.
Prioritising Sections for Better Results
In a competitive exam like VITEEE, it’s essential to prioritise the sections that carry the most weight. Since Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology carry the majority of the marks, students should focus their preparation on these subjects.
However, it’s also important not to neglect the English and Aptitude sections. While they contribute fewer marks, these sections can provide easy marks that can make a significant difference in your overall score.
Students should aim to balance their preparation by dedicating more time to the core subjects while still reviewing English and Aptitude regularly. A well-rounded preparation strategy will ensure that students perform well across all sections of the exam.
Previous Year Trends in VITEEE Scores
The cutoff marks for VITEEE vary from year to year depending on the difficulty level of the exam and the number of candidates. Typically, students need to score around 70-80 marks out of 125 to secure admission into VIT. However, higher-ranked programs and campuses may have higher cutoff marks, often requiring scores of 90 or more.
VITEEE Course-wise Cut Off 2024 (Expected) for VIT University, Vellore
| Courses | Closing Rank |
| Computer Science and Engineering(Bioinformatics) | 7300 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 12000 |
| Biotechnology | 13000 |
| Civil Engineering | 14100 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 14700 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 15500 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 16200 |
| Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering | 16000 |
| Information Technology | 16800 |
VITEEE Course- wise Cut Off 2024(Expected) for VIT University, Chennai
| Courses | Closing Rank |
| Civil Engineering | 28000 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 32000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 38000 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 39000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 39300 |
| Fashion Technology | 54000 |
| Electronics and Computer Science Engineering | 40000 |
VITEEE 2023 Cut off
| B.Tech Branch | Cut-Off Rank |
| CSE | 7,500 |
| IT | 8,000 |
| ECE | 15,000 |
| CSE (specialisation in Bioinformatics) | 11,000 |
| CSE (other specialisations) | 15,000 |
VITEEE 2022 Cut off Category wise for VIT Vellore
| Programme | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 |
| CSE | 950 | 3500 | 19000 | 22000 | 25500 |
| CSE with specialisations | 2800 | 9000 | 23000 | 27000 | 31000 |
VITEEE 2022 Cut off Category wise for VIT Chennai
| Programme | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 |
| CSE | 8000 | 14000 | 25000 | 29000 | 34000 |
| CSE with specialisations | 11500 | 20500 | 26000 | 32000 | 42000 |
VITEEE 2019 Branch-wise Closing Ranks
| Branch | Closing Rank |
| CSE (Specialisation in Bioinformatics) | 7500 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 13000 |
| Biotechnology | 13500 |
| CE | 14300 |
| CS & Engg | 15000 |
| EC | 15500 |
| EE | 16000 |
| Electronics and Instrumentation Engg | 16500 |
| IT | 17000 |
| ME | 19000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Automotive Engineering) | 20000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Chemical process Eng.) | 23000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Energy Engineering) | 25000 |
| Production and Industrial Eng. | 27500 |
| ECE (Spec. Internet of Things and Sensor) | 14800 |
| CSE(Spec. in Information Security) | 7500 |
VIT Vellore Closing ranks for the year 2018
| Course Name | Closing Rank (Round 1) |
| B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering | 14500 |
| B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering with Specialization in Automotive Engineering | 12300 |
| B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering | 19500 |
| B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering (Bioinformatics) | 13500 |
| B.Tech. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 15500 |
| B.Tech. in Civil Engineering | 53000 |
| B.Tech. in Information technology | 12000 |
| B.Tech. in Production and Industrial Engineering | 50000 |
| B.Tech. in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering | 18500 |
VIT Vellore Closing ranks for the year 2017
| Course Name | Closing Rank |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 15500 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 19000 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 16000 |
| Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering | 16500 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Automotive Engineering) | 20000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Chemical process Engineering) | 23000 |
| Information technology | 17000 |
| Production and Industrial Eng. | 27500 |
| Comp. Science Eng. (Spec. in Information Security) | 7500 |
| Civil Engineering | 29000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 39000 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 33000 |
VIT Vellore Closing ranks for the year 2016 and 2017
| Course Name | Closing Rank 2016 | Closing Rank 2015 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 7000 | 15000 |
| Information technology | 12000 | 17000 |
| Computer science and Engg. (Specialisation in Bioinformatics) | 13500 | 7500 |
| BioMedical Engineering | 45000 | 13000 |
| Biotechnology | 20000 | 13500 |
| Civil Engineering | 35000 | 14300 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 14500 | 15500 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 15500 | 16000 |
| Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering | 18500 | 16500 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 19500 | 19000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Automotive Engineering) | 12300 | 20000 |
| Mechanical (Spec. in Energy Engineering) | 20000 | 25000 |
| Production and Industrial Engg. | 50000 | 27500 |
| Chemical Engineering | 19500 | NA |
| ECE (Spec.Internet of Things and Sensor) | 14800 | NA |
| Comp.Science Engg.(Spec.in Information Security) | 7500 | NA |
VIT Chennai Closing ranks for the years 2017
| Course Name | Closing Rank |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 39000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 39500 |
| Electronics and Computer Engineering | 42000 |
| Fashion Technology | 55000 |
VIT Chennai Closing ranks for the years 2016 and 2015
| Course Name | Closing Rank 2016 | Closing Rank 2015 |
| Civil Engineering | 40000 | 29000 |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 14000 | 33000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 25000 | 39000 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 28000 | 39000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 32000 | 39500 |
| Fashion Technology | 55000 | NA |
| Electronics and Computer Engineering | 42000 | NA |
The cutoff marks are determined based on the ranks of students who are offered admission, and these ranks are influenced by the overall performance of the candidates that year. Students aiming for popular programs like Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering should aim to score as high as possible to increase their chances of securing a seat.
Understanding Trends in High-Scoring Subjects
In recent years, certain subjects have consistently been the high-scoring areas for many students. Physics and Chemistry tend to be the sections where students can score well if they have a strong conceptual understanding of the subjects. Mathematics, on the other hand, can be more challenging due to its calculation-intensive nature, but students who excel in Mathematics can significantly boost their scores.
In the Biology stream, topics such as Genetics, Human Physiology, and Ecology often carry a higher weightage. Students who are strong in these areas tend to score well in the Biology section.
Analysis of Section-wise Performance
When analysing section-wise performance, it’s clear that students who perform well in Physics and Chemistry tend to rank higher overall. This is because these sections not only carry a significant portion of the total marks but also test students’ understanding of fundamental concepts that are essential for success in engineering.
The Mathematics section is often seen as a make-or-break section for many students. Those who can solve complex problems quickly and accurately tend to score higher, while students who struggle with time management or accuracy in this section may find their overall score affected.
In recent years, the English and Aptitude sections have been seen as an opportunity for students to gain some easy marks. Since these sections are smaller and generally considered easier, students should aim to score full marks in these areas to maximise their overall score.
How to Use the VITEEE Marking Scheme to Your Advantage
Smart Guesswork Strategies
Since VITEEE does not have negative marking, students can use smart guesswork to their advantage. Instead of leaving questions unanswered, students should attempt all the questions and make educated guesses when they are unsure of the correct answer.
Here are a few tips for making smart guesses:
Eliminate Incorrect Options: Start by eliminating the answer choices that you know are incorrect. This increases your chances of selecting the correct answer from the remaining options.
Use Logic and Reasoning: For certain types of questions, especially in the Aptitude section, you can often use logic and reasoning to arrive at the correct answer. Even if you’re not entirely sure, applying basic reasoning can help you make a more informed guess.
Don’t Leave Questions Unanswered: Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, it’s better to attempt all the questions rather than leave any blank.
Focusing on High-Weightage Topics
One of the most effective ways to use the VITEEE marking scheme to your advantage is to focus your preparation on high-weightage topics. In each subject, certain topics tend to carry more marks and are more frequently tested in the exam.
For example, in Physics, topics such as Modern Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Mechanics are often given more emphasis. Similarly, in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry are high-weighting areas. In Mathematics, Calculus and Algebra tend to be important topics.
By identifying and focusing on these high-weightage topics, students can maximise their chances of scoring well in the exam. However, it’s also important to have a basic understanding of all the topics in the syllabus, as questions can come from any part of the curriculum.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many students make avoidable mistakes during competitive exams, which can cost them valuable marks. Here are some common mistakes to avoid in VITEEE:
Misreading Questions: In the rush to complete the exam, students often misread questions or overlook important details. It’s important to read each question carefully before selecting an answer.
Spending Too Much Time on Difficult Questions: While it’s tempting to spend extra time on tough questions, this can eat into the time available for easier questions. If you’re stuck, move on and come back to the question later.
Guessing Without Thought: While guessing is encouraged due to the lack of negative marking, students should still aim to make educated guesses rather than random guesses. Using elimination and logic can increase your chances of guessing correctly.
By avoiding these common mistakes, students can improve their accuracy and performance on the exam.
Conclusion
The VITEEE marking scheme plays a crucial role in determining a student’s performance in the exam. By understanding the marking pattern, section-wise distribution of marks, and the importance of time management, students can develop an effective exam strategy that maximises their score.
With no negative marking, students have the freedom to attempt all the questions, making smart guesses when necessary. Prioritising high-weightage topics and managing time effectively across sections can significantly improve a student’s overall score.
Ultimately, success in VITEEE comes down to a combination of strong preparation, smart strategy, and effective time management. By leveraging the marking scheme to your advantage, you can boost your chances of securing a high rank and gaining admission to your preferred program at VIT.
FAQs
1) What is the total score of VITEEE?
The total score of VITEEE is typically 125 marks, depending on the number of questions.
2) Does VITEEE have negative marking?
No, VITEEE does not have negative marking, meaning students do not lose marks for incorrect answers.
3) What is a good score in VITEEE?
A good score in VITEEE is typically around 70-80 marks, but higher-ranked programs and campuses may require higher scores.
4) How are percentiles and ranks calculated in VITEEE?
Percentile scores in VITEEE are calculated based on normalised scores, which adjust for varying difficulty levels across different exam slots. Ranks are then generated based on the percentile scores.
